State parks: visit, learn and show your support

Governor Schwarzenegger’s new budget plan calls for the elimination of core funding for state parks. If the budget plan is approved, at least 80% of California’s state parks will close. More than thirty state parks in the Bay Area are in danger of closing.

 

Support the parks and offer your child a new learning experience by visiting local state parks this summer. Visit one of the beaches and go fishing, windsurfing, clamming, boating or swimming. Hike or bike through wildflowers, redwoods, a virgin grove of Bishop pines, salt marshes or meadows. Visit the site of a Miwok village or a 1880s Chinese shrimp-fishing village. Try to spot a great blue heron, a red tailed hawk or a tortoiseshell butterfly.  Attend a junior ranger or an interpretive program with your child, take a guided walk or explore one of the many visitor centers.

 

You can also show your support by sending a message to the governor and your state representatives.  Perhaps your child can compose a letter after you visit a state park.

 

Below is a partial list of State Parks in the Bay Area that will close if the budget plan is passed. 

 

 

 

 

Bethany Reservoir